TREKKING LOCATIONS OF KASHMIR

Jammu and KashmirJammu and Kashmir is India’s northernmost state, and the one, which is most famous for its trekking. It is an extremely beautiful area with flower-spangled meadows, impressive coniferous forests, wild orchards, icy mountain peaks and clear rivers and streams. The capital, Srinagar, is the hub for many treks, particularly to the blue Shankaracharya Hill and Zabarwan Hills.. The three other main bases in Jammu & Kashmir are Pahalgam (100km/62 miles from Srinigar) in the Lidder Valley, the base for treks to sacred Amarnath, Aru, Lidderwat and the glacial lakes of Tarsar and Tulian; Gulmarg (51km/32 miles from Srinagar), from where treks can be taken to the crystal tarns of Apharwat and Alpather, the upland lakes of Vishansar and Gangabal and the Thajiwas Glacier; and Sonamarg, in the Sindh Valley, the starting point for treks into the surrounding mountains.Srinagar is also the base for trips into the dry plateau of Ladakh, an area of constant drought, home of yaks and wild asses with high ranges and many of the largest glaciers in the world outside the Polar Regions. Leh, the divisional capital, is located on an ancient Silk Route and is the starting point for excellent treks across this remarkable landscape.Further south, there is outstanding trekking in the vicinity of Jammu, the railhead to the Kashmir Valley. There are three main centers; Kishtwar, Poonch and Doda.